Serena Johns
Eastvale,CA
Summary
Grant and government sector administrative professional with over 18 years of public service experience. Proven expertise in managing administrative tasks and coordinating grants within public utilities, higher education, city, and county government settings. Adept at navigating complex regulatory frameworks and facilitating effective communication between stakeholders. Collaborative leader with dedication to partnering with coworkers to promote engaged, empowering work culture. Documented strengths in building and maintaining relationships with diverse range of stakeholders in dynamic, fast-paced settings.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Grants Program Administrator
Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (WESA)
01.2013 - Current
- Manages a portfolio exceeding $350 million in grants and low-interest loans sourced from various state and federal agencies, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and organizational goals
- Achieved a remarkable Return on Investment (ROI) of 85:1 for the Grants Administration Department, demonstrating the department's exceptional effectiveness in securing and managing grants relative to its operational costs
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive "Grants Strategic Funding Plan," providing a strategic framework for decision-making and resource allocation
- Achieved a 100% success rate in securing grants over a nine-year period by effectively aligning grant-seeking efforts with organizational priorities and funding opportunities by leveraging a deep understanding of funding landscapes and agency priorities
- Successfully secured low-interest loans ranging from 0.9% to 1.9% for capital infrastructure projects totaling over $200 million, resulting in approximate savings of $100 million in lieu of debt issuance
- Develops and executes requests for proposals (RFPs) for professional services and contracted projects, including drafting scopes of work and technical specifications
- Evaluated funding opportunities and presented recommendations to senior management and Board of Directors, facilitating informed decision-making processes
- Skilled in capital improvement project life-cycle, including budgeting, procurement, risk management, and stakeholder coordination
- Successful inter-department coordination to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to specifications, while effectively managing resources and mitigating risks
- Led the evaluation of proposals, conducted contract negotiations, recommended contract awards, and ensured ongoing contract compliance, optimizing resource allocation and project outcomes
- Serves as a primary liaison with federal, state, and local granting agencies, fostering productive relationships and facilitating smooth communication channels
- Coordinates audits and serves as the main point of contact for audit-related inquiries, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and organizational policies
- Directs program and project management activities, including legislative analysis and development, policy formulation, organizational analysis, and budget analysis, driving continuous improvement initiatives
- Supervises and evaluates the performance of professional staff, providing guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to optimize team effectiveness and achieve organizational objectives.
Management Analyst
City Manager and City Council Office- City of Beverly Hills
09.2011 - 01.2013
- Conducted extensive research and analysis on special projects and programs, providing strategic recommendations to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness within City Manager and City Council Office
- Prepared detailed presentations and reports for key stakeholders, including City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Deputy City Managers, and other department heads, ensuring timely and accurate communication of critical information
- Led the planning, development, and coordination of high-impact programs and projects, such as 5-year strategic plan and Customer Service Initiative, overseeing implementation to achieve organizational objectives
- Developed and recommended departmental and citywide systems, policies, procedures, and administrative guidelines, leveraging a comprehensive understanding of municipal operations and best practices
- Conducted thorough economic and financial analyses to assess the feasibility of proposed projects and programs, providing data-driven recommendations to support decision-making processes
- Formulated and recommended goals, objectives, and guidelines to optimize resource utilization and improve operational efficiency, fostering a culture of continuous improvement
- Monitored and managed departmental, divisional, and project budgets, conducting revenue and expenditure forecasting, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and financial best practices
- Interpreted and enforced compliance with City codes, regulations, and policies, as well as local, federal, and state statutes, recommending adjustments to procedures to align with prevailing laws
- Administered contracts, agreements, and services, developing contract terms and monitoring compliance to ensure successful project delivery and adherence to contractual obligations
- Conducted in-depth research and analysis of statistical and related data, preparing comprehensive technical reports, correspondence, and records to support decision-making and reporting requirements
- Presented reports to City Council, City Manager, and various boards and committees, effectively communicating key findings and recommendations to inform policy and strategic planning initiatives
- Served as a resource to the public, City Administrators, City Departments, City Council, commissions, organizations, and community groups, providing guidance and support on City policies, procedures, and initiatives
- Delivered presentations at interdepartmental, inter-agency, and professional meetings, sharing insights and best practices to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing
- Supervised and trained Fellowship candidates, providing mentorship and guidance to support their professional development and success within the organization.
Staff Services Analyst II
Information Technology Services, Communication, and Records Management County of Napa
03.2007 - 09.2011
- Collaborated with management, supervisors, and department representatives to develop and monitor budget allocations, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and fiscal responsibility
- Supported three county departments with financial responsibilities, including audit reporting, financial forecasting, and actuals reporting, contributing to transparent and accurate financial management practices
- Assisted county departments in identifying and implementing process enhancements through technology research, design, and training initiatives, driving efficiency and effectiveness improvements
- Analyzed reports, studies, contracts, and proposals, presenting recommendations to management team regarding implementation or development of policies, procedures, contracts, and proposals
- Organized cross-functional team of agency representatives to create customer service surveys, conducting analysis to inform strategic decision-making and enhance service delivery
- Provided assistance to CEO's office in compiling performance measures and annual output statistics for Board of Supervisor review, ensuring accountability and transparency in county operations
- Guided administration and supervisor teams in reviewing, formulating, and documenting departmental policies and procedures, contributing to operational consistency and compliance
- Served as committee member responsible for marketing department services and collaborating with various departments and agencies to improve administrative procedures and resolve procedural issues
- Initiated, monitored, and reviewed multi-million-dollar contracts, ensuring compliance with scope of work requirements and regulatory standards, and liaised with vendors and County Counsel members on contract terms and conditions.
Education
Masters in Public Administration -
Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CA12.2007
Bachelor of Science - International Security And Conflict Resolution
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA12.2003
Skills
- Administrative Management
- Grant Writing and Management
- Regulatory Compliance
- Budget Planning and Management
- Stakeholder Engagement/Strategic Planning
- Policy Development and Implementation
- Capital Improvement Project
- Project Coordination
References
References available upon request.
Affiliations
- Grant Professionals Association
- National Grant Management Association
Certification
Grants Management Certification
Timeline
Grants Program Administrator
Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (WESA)
01.2013 - Current
Management Analyst
City Manager and City Council Office- City of Beverly Hills
09.2011 - 01.2013
Staff Services Analyst II
Information Technology Services, Communication, and Records Management County of Napa
03.2007 - 09.2011
Masters in Public Administration -
Sonoma State University
Bachelor of Science - International Security And Conflict Resolution
San Diego State University
Grants Management Certification
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